Amylin (Pramlintide, Symlin)

Amylin is a peptide hormone that is secreted along with insulin from the beta cells of the pancreas. In those who have lost a significant number of beta cells, such as people with type 1 diabetes and those with long-time type 2 diabetes, amylin production is also likewise reduced.

Amylin is a hormone that regulates our food digestion rate by inhibiting glucagon secretion, delaying gastric emptying, and causing feelings of fullness. Pramlintide is the synthetic equivalent of amylin marketed under the name Symlin.

Pramlintide is given to people with type 1 and 2 diabetes as an injection and it helps manage blood sugar levels after meals. Pramlintide helps blood sugar levels because it causes less glucagon secretion during a meal, slower food emptying from the stomach and it helps to suppress appetite.

The FDA states that pramlintide (symlin) should only be used by those who:

already use their insulin as prescribed, but still need better blood sugar control.

will follow their doctor’s instructions exactly.

will follow up with their doctor often.

will test their blood sugar levels before and after every meal, and at bedtime.

understand how to adjust the medication and insulin doses.

Gary Scheiner, a certified diabetes educator wrote in an article for Diabetes Self-Management that “Overall, research shows that regular use of Symlin lowers the HbA1c level (a measure of long-term blood glucose control), the fasting blood glucose level, and blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and increases the percentage of time spent within one’s target blood glucose range. It also reduces blood glucose variability, or fluctuations in blood glucose level, which may be associated with long-term diabetes complications.”

Be aware that you may have to call your doctor to adjust your insulin doses.

Never take more than your usual dose. If you forget a dose, skip it and then take the next scheduled dose.

People with type 2 diabetes are typically prescribed 60 micrograms to take 3 times a day before meals. The amount is gradually increased over days. It is available in a vial or a pen form.

Those with type 1 diabetes are typically prescribed 15 micrograms to take 3 times a day before meals. A meal needs to have at least 250 calories or 30 grams of carbohydrates according to the makers of Symlin.

Gary Scheiner recommends one start using pramlintide only at one meal first, such as breakfast. He writes that, “Once the dose of Symlin and appropriate adjustments to the dose of mealtime insulin are determined, apply the same strategies to your other meals. Unlike insulin, the dose of Symlin does not vary from meal to meal; the same dose is taken regardless of what is eaten. And adjustments made to insulin’s dose size and timing should work consistently whenever Symlin is taken.”

It is especially helpful when taking a medication to keep a journal of when you take something and how much you took. Include your symptoms and blood sugar readings in order to be able to help you and your healthcare provider decide whether or not a medication is working safely for you.

If you live in the USA and have experienced a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).